Former VFL big man to fill Melton South’s biggest need for BFL 2022 season

Melton South had a glaring problem in 2021 but the arrival of an ex-VFL and two-time VAFA premiership-winning ruckman could solve it in 2022.

Brodie Grundy battles with Dylan Jones. Picture: Hamish Blair

Melton South has filled a major need for 2022, securing an ex-VFL ruckman.

Dylan Jones has signed on after three seasons with VAFA Premier B outfit Williamstown CYMS, winning the Ritterman Medal as best-afield in the 2019 Premier C premiership.

The 200cm big man comes with a decorated CV having also won a VAFA Premier B flag with St Kevin’s in 2015, played three VFL games for Werribee and represented Vic Metro at the Under-18s national carnival.

South relied on club legend Marc Dransman coming out of retirement to carry the ruck load this Ballarat league season.

Panthers coach Heath Pritchard said picking up someone of Jones’ calibre would be a massive boost to the club’s hopes of jumping up the ladder.

“We had to pull Mark out of retirement at the age of 41 to play in the ruck, which wasn’t ideal,” Pritchard said.

“What Mark did for the club was fantastic, to put himself out there every week and ruck for us, but obviously it wasn’t sustainable.

“Getting someone of Dylan’s calibre on board is great for us, a very tall ruckman, which is something we haven’t possessed for a while.

“He’s had a lot of success, he’s played in a premiership at SKOBs and at Willy CYs in the VAFA, which is also something we’re keen to get into our club.”

Melton South finished 10th this season, winning three of 10 games played in a COVID-shortened season.

Despite the lowly finish, Dylan Conway was the dominant forward in the competition, winning the league goalkicking award with 35 majors.

The Panthers spearhead and the club’s midfield brigade will be the big winners in Jones’ arrival.

“Dylan Conway knows the Williamstown area pretty well and through his contacts we were able to touch base with Dylan and get him on board,” Pritchard said.

Dylan Jones in action for Williamstown CYMS. Picture: Valeriu Campan

“The supply (in midfield), this season and even the last few years we’ve had issues in the ruck and if we can get our hands on the footy first it’s going to make life a little bit easier for us.

“What Mark did for us this year was phenomenal for his age and we were pinch-hitting with smaller blokes who also did a manful job but it’s going to be a lot easier with a genuine ruckman in the middle of the ground.”

South is still looking to strengthen it’s key position posts for 2022.

A forward line partner for Conway and another key defender are high recruiting priorities.

DEVILS: JORDAN EXCITED BY DARLEY REBUILD CHALLENGE

LEADER: GET YOUR BALLARAT FOOTY NEWS HERE

RDFL: NEW COACH’S BIG AMBITION FOR MELTON CENTRALS

Pritchard said the annual local footy silly season was hard work and he was rapt to get an early win.

“It’s a lot of hard work and a lot of phone calls and guys making up their mind what they want to do,” he said.

“You make a lot of phone calls and try to hit the jackpot, it’s nice to hit one early, and we’ve got to keep working.”

In another positive for the club, young gun Paul Curtis was named in the NAB League Team of the Year and earned an invite to the AFL Draft Combine, positioning him as a genuine draft chance.